Ever notice that a lot of the things that happen to me happen at the Old Navy? Maybe I need to branch out a little? However, this is the thing that happened this time:
They had cute summer frocks on for $9, so I figured I'd buy a couple...and try on some jeans in an 18, because it's been a while since I tried them. Good news! I bought a pair! They give me a bit of a muffin top, and they're lower cut than any "mom jeans" I've ever worn...and frankly, I might not ever even wear them (I kind of hate pants) but they fit me and look decent and so...there that is. But that's not the thing that happened.
So I'm standing there, looking through shirts, and one of the other mum's from my sons's school comes up and says hello. It's been a while since I'd seen her, and she mentioned that I'd lost a lot of weight, and she asked me how I'd done it. So I told her my usual half-truth of eating less and moving more, to which she replied "well I had a band put in about a year ago, and it hasn't worked for me!" I was kind of floored.
So...I came clean, and told her that I had one too. And then we chatted a bit. She told me that she'd lost about 25lbs on the pre-surgery diet, and then that was it. And I realized that there, right there, was the thing I'd been the most terrified of when I had this surgery. That somehow, it wouldn't "work for me".
But you know what? This surgery didn't "work for me". It worked WITH me. It helped ME make it work. It has not been effortless. It's been a long road, and I'm still very much on it. Every time I see someone who notices my loss, or tells me I look great, it helps me and makes me happy, but I'm very aware that I have 60ish more lbs to lose until I hit goal. And then I have to have a tummy tuck. And then I have to maintain it. This is never going to be over. And I'm ok with that.
But back to my friend. I gave her my blog address, and I told her about you guys, and I'm hoping that she decides to have a read through blogland, and maybe find someone whose experience speaks to her and can help her on her journey. So, in case she's reading, maybe comment for her, and give her a little boost.
Oh and one last thing. I have put the wheels in motion to get a gym membership! If I did it right (it's a special, discounted membership through my work) it will start on April 1. I'm SO looking forward to getting moving again and getting stronger! And that's my story.
LOL Gilly as soon as ready the title of your post I had to jump to read it.. cause you are right you have more experiences at Old Navy than anyone I know..but you story was also an ah ha moment and that we all need to accept the fact that the band is a regulator but not a magic wand. So I so hope your friend does plug into the band blog.. I have learned alot through other people's experiences.. its invaluable.. more so than any classroom session. and good for you for getting to the next size and having your pick of things that are going to make you love marvelous.. hugs to you sweetie
ReplyDeleteGreat distinction, G! And yay to the 18s!
ReplyDeleteGreat read...and let us know if she starts a blog - would love to follow her! See? You inspire MANY!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear about the size 18! I actually went into Old Navy Friday night! I could never shop there before! SO I figured I would check it out! I bought a few shirts... not too please with the jeans yet! But super excited about my new shirts!
ReplyDeleteHope your friend joins us!!
I for one love your Old Navy posts - they give my life some consistency. Great job on the 18's - I know you don't like pants, but it's good to have the option.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone's fear going into this is that we'll be the one it doesn't work for. I hope your friend joins us - the support here makes a big difference.
Yay to you for the 18s - that's fantastic!!! And I too was excited by the title to your post!
ReplyDeleteYour conversation with your friend is of course what we're all afraid of and what I've been thinking hard about lately. In fact I think I'll be doing a post about it maybe today - the truth that's been running around in my brain for a bit now is that the band doesn't make it any easier to lose weight - it just makes it harder to gain weight. Now I've yet to find the "sweet spot" so it may be true that it is easier when you find that - but... we've all known what we needed to do and sometimes we do it, but then (at least for me) I used to throw in a couple of loaded bagels between healthy sensible meals and now I can't eat the bagels... okay this is too much thought for a comment - but - I certainly hope your friend joins us - I know I've found this community to be invaluable.
YAY for 18's!
ReplyDeleteI love a good Old Navy story.
Ya know why I loved this post...because unlike many of you, it never even occurred to me that this band wouldn't work. I didn't even know that was physically a possibility. And now to hear of someone who went through everything I went through and lost nothing more than her pre-op diet weight...makes me feel that what I...correction, what WE all have accomplished is a result of our own doing and not a magic pill.
ReplyDeleteOne week until I see Gilly...and counting.
i can't wait to squeeze you
ReplyDeleteA funny thing happened on the way to Old Navy... LOL. You and Old Navy. I know a girl who says that the band didn't work for her either. Now she got Gastric Bypass. The band doesn't work for you, you work for the band. And that bitch will slap you in the face if you get out of line.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those people who feared that I would screw this up. I'm still scared to tell some people I even have it because I'm afraid I will be judged if I don't ever get to goal. I know it's not a magic pill and we have to work with it...and that fear actually keeps me MOSTLY in line (although I did just eat three bites of ice cream).
ReplyDeleteI love ON summer frocks. I think I own every single version in black. Way to go on the jeans!!! Major success!
ReplyDeleteI have heard of people who lose next to nothing with the band....and it seems like this would be totally likely if your band was not properly adjusted. Wonder if that is the deal with her?
It's never boring when Gilly goes to Old Navy, is it? I hope your friend finds some good info in blogland. I would have given up a long time ago if it weren't for all of you.
ReplyDelete1. Me loves Old Navy
ReplyDelete2. Funny how much happens to you there
3. Odd that she has lost NOTHING! since it was put in . . . I mean, shouldn't she be doing shakes still?
4. I hope she finds a way to make it work for her and comes over to the blogs.
5. Lastly, I wish I could run into you at ON.
What a great experience. I hope she takes your advice!
ReplyDeleteI definitely think I am more successful because of my buddies in blogland. I know a girl that has a band and has only lost 20 lbs. She doesn't "listen" to her band like you should. Stop when you need to. That's what I always say. :)
ReplyDeleteYou need to be on Old Navy commercials. Screw the damn maniquein ones. Put Gilly in there...clothing will sell like hotcakes!! (mmmmm, hotcakes!)
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping she will see your success and become inspired...
GREAT story.
ReplyDeleteCan we go to old navy in NY and see what happens? That was the first ON I've ever been to.
see you SOOOOON!
That was the single biggest fear I had about getting banded. I am kind of angry at myself for plateauing for so long, but you're 100% right about having to work with the band. It is the only way it works!
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of sympathy for you Canadians and other self-payers. Getting the band properly adjusted is a big expense that many don't realize going in. I honestly think that as stingy as I am (via my husband's influence), I easily could have failed my band if I had to face hundreds of dollars for each fill. So my message to your friend is that it'll be worth it. Every penny.
ReplyDeleteI love how you made that clear. That is a big fear of mine, even though I know the band is just a tool and I have to work with it. It is great to hear that I am not the only one who had those thoughts at the beginning of the journey. Reading these blogs inspires me and gives me hope that I can do this too.
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